US7654655B2 - Labyrinth seal structure - Google Patents
Labyrinth seal structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7654655B2 US7654655B2 US11/041,047 US4104705A US7654655B2 US 7654655 B2 US7654655 B2 US 7654655B2 US 4104705 A US4104705 A US 4104705A US 7654655 B2 US7654655 B2 US 7654655B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal structure
- gland
- hole
- labyrinth
- ink
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related, expires
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17506—Refilling of the cartridge
- B41J2/17509—Whilst mounted in the printer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17513—Inner structure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
- B41J2/17523—Ink connection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
- B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/14—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
Definitions
- inkjet printing is relatively well developed.
- Commercial products such as computer printers, graphics plotters, and facsimile machines have been implemented with ink jet technology for producing printed media.
- an ink jet image is formed pursuant to precise placement on a print medium of ink drops emitted by an ink drop generating device known as an ink jet printhead.
- an ink jet printhead is supported on a movable carriage that traverses over the surface of the print medium and is controlled to eject drops of ink at appropriate times pursuant to command of a microcomputer or other controller, wherein the timing of the application of the ink drops is intended to correspond to a pattern of pixels of the image being printed.
- Some known printers make use of an ink container that is separably replaceable from the printhead. When the ink container is exhausted it is removed and replaced with a new ink container.
- replaceable ink containers that are separate from the printhead allow users to replace the ink container without replacing the printhead. The printhead is then replaced at or near the end of printhead life, and not when the ink container is replaced.
- ink jet printing systems that employ ink containers that are separate from the printheads.
- Inkjet cartridges with integrated pressure sensing elements are known in the art, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,638, INK BAG FITMENT WITH AN INTEGRATED PRESSURE SENSOR FOR LOW INK DETECTION.
- a purpose of the pressure sensing element is to measure changes in the pressure of the ink or fluid being delivered to the printhead over the ink cartridge lifetime, to provide data for indicating ink level and out-of-ink information.
- a challenge for ink cartridges with integrated pressure sensors is protecting the sensor from pressure spikes, which commonly occur during manufacturing, shipping or handling, and can occur due to dropping the cartridge.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary printer/plotter system in which an ink level sensing circuit can be employed.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram depicting exemplary major components of one of the print cartridges of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating in a simplified manner an exemplary connection between an off-carriage ink container, an air pressure source, and an on-carriage print cartridge of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram depicting exemplary major components of one of the ink containers of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a simplified isometric view of an exemplary implementation of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric exploded view illustrating exemplary major components of an implementation of one of the ink containers of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a further schematic isometric exploded view illustrating exemplary major components of an implementation of one of the ink containers of the exemplary printer/plotter system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view showing the pressure vessel, collapsible ink reservoir, and chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view illustrating the collapsible ink reservoir and chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 , showing a pressure transducer disposed in the ink container.
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustrating the attachment of the pressure transducer to the chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 , and illustrating two exemplary embodiments of structures for improved the shock robustness of the pressure transducer.
- FIG. 12 is a broken-away cross-sectional view of a portion of the ink container of FIG. 10 , and showing a mass of low-stiffness material on the outer surface of the transducer die.
- FIG. 13 is a broken-away cross-sectional view of a portion of the ink container of FIG. 10 , and showing a porous plug fitted into the fluid passageway leading to the pressure transducer to dampen high-frequency shock waves.
- FIG. 14 is an isometric view illustrating electrical contacts disposed on the top portion of the chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- FIG. 15 is an isometric view illustrating the attachment of the pressure transducer to the chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 , with the mass of low-stiffness material of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 16 is an exploded view illustrating the pressure transducer and the chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 , and showing the porous plug of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a labyrinth o-ring structure as another technique for improving robustness of a pressure sensor to pressure shocks.
- FIG. 18 is an isometric top view of the labyrinth o-ring structure of FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 19 is a broken-away cross-sectional view of a portion of the ink container of FIG. 10 , and showing the labyrinth o-ring structure of FIGS. 17-18 in place.
- FIG. 20 is an exploded view illustrating the pressure transducer and the chassis member of the ink container of FIGS. 6 and 7 , and showing the labyrinth o-ring structure of FIGS. 17-18 .
- FIG. 21 is a front view of an alternated embodiment of a labyrinth o-ring structure for improving robustness of a pressure sensor to pressure shocks.
- FIG. 1 set forth therein is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary printer/plotter 50 in which the invention can be employed.
- a scanning print carriage 52 holds a plurality of print cartridges 60 - 66 which are fluidically coupled to an ink supply station 100 that supplies pressurized ink to the print cartridges 60 - 66 .
- each of the print cartridges 60 - 66 comprises an ink jet printhead and an integral printhead memory, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2 for the representative example of the print cartridge 60 which includes an ink jet printhead 60 A and an integral printhead memory 60 B.
- Each print cartridge has a fluidic regulator valve that opens and closes to maintain a slight negative gauge pressure in the cartridge that is optimal for printhead performance.
- the ink provided to each of the print cartridges 60 - 66 is pressurized to reduce the effects of dynamic pressure drops.
- the ink supply station 100 contains receptacles or bays for accepting ink containers 110 - 116 which are respectively associated with and fluidically connected to respective print cartridges 6066 .
- Each of the ink containers 110 - 114 includes a collapsible ink reservoir, such as collapsible ink reservoir 110 A that is surrounded by an air pressure chamber 110 B.
- An air pressure source or pump 70 is in communication with the air pressure chamber for pressurizing the collapsible ink reservoir.
- one pressure pump supplies pressurized air for all ink containers in the system.
- Pressurized ink is delivered to the print cartridges by an ink flow path that includes for example respective flexible plastic tubes connected between the ink containers 110 - 116 and respectively associated print cartridges 60 - 66 .
- FIG. 3 is a simplified diagrammatic view illustrating the pressure source 70 , an air pressure line 72 that delivers pressurizing gas to the pressure chamber 110 B which pressurizes the collapsible ink reservoir 110 a so as to cause ink to be delivered to the printhead cartridge via an ink supply line 74 .
- a pressure transducer 71 is provided for detecting a pressure differential between air that is pressurizing the collapsible ink reservoir 110 a and a pressure indicative of pressure in the collapsible ink reservoir 110 a .
- the pressure transducer 71 is in communication with the ink supply line 74 and the air pressure line 72 .
- the pressure transducer 71 is disposed in the pressure chamber 110 B, as illustrated in FIGS.
- the pressure transducer 71 is an absolute pressure sensor that senses absolute pressure of ink in the ink supply line 74 or in the collapsible ink reservoir 110 a.
- Each of the ink containers includes a collapsible ink reservoir and an optional integral ink cartridge memory.
- Schematically depicted in FIG. 4 is a representative example of the ink container 110 that more particularly includes an ink reservoir 110 A, an integral ink cartridge memory 110 D, and a pressure transducer 110 C.
- the scanning print carriage 52 , the print cartridges 60 - 66 , and the ink containers 110 - 114 are electrically interconnected to a printer microprocessor controller 80 that includes printer electronics and firmware for the control of various printer functions, including for example analog-to-digital converter circuitry for converting the outputs of the ink level sensing pressure transducers 71 associated with the ink containers 110 - 116 .
- the controller 80 thus controls the scan carriage drive system and the printheads on the print carriage to selectively energize the printheads, to cause ink droplets to be ejected in a controlled fashion on the print medium 40 .
- the printer controller 80 further detects a low level of remaining ink volume in each of the ink containers 110 - 114 pursuant to the output of the associated pressure transducer 71 .
- a host processor 82 which includes a CPU 82 A and a software printer driver 82 B, is connected to the printer controller 82 .
- the host processor 82 comprises a personal computer that is external to the printer 50 .
- a monitor 84 is connected to the host processor 82 and is used to display various messages that are indicative of the state of the ink jet printer.
- the printer can be configured for stand-alone or networked operation wherein messages are displayed on a front panel of the printer.
- FIG. 5 shows in isometric view an exemplary form of a large format printer/plotter in which the invention can be employed, wherein four off-carriage (or off-axis) ink containers 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 are shown installed in an ink supply station.
- the printer/plotter of FIG. 5 further includes a housing 54 , a front control panel 56 which provides user control switches, and a media output slot 58 . While this exemplary printer/plotter is fed from a media roll, it should be appreciated that alternative sheet feed mechanisms can also be used.
- FIGS. 6-14 schematically illustrated therein is a specific implementation of an ink container 200 , which can be implemented as each of the ink containers 110 - 116 that are structurally substantially identical.
- the ink container 200 generally includes an outer container or pressure vessel 1102 , a chassis member 1120 attached to a neck region 1102 A at a leading end of the pressure vessel 1102 , a leading end cap 1104 attached to the leading end of the pressure vessel, and a trailing end cap 1106 attached to the trailing end of the pressure vessel 1102 .
- the ink container 200 further includes a collapsible ink bag or reservoir 114 disposed in an interior chamber 1103 defined by the pressure vessel 1102 and sealingly attached to a keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120 which seals the interior of the pressure vessel 1102 from outside atmosphere while providing for an air inlet 1108 to the interior of the pressure vessel 1102 , and an ink outlet port 1110 for ink contained in the ink reservoir 114 .
- the chassis 1120 is secured to the opening of the neck region 1102 A of the pressure vessel 1102 , for example by an annular crimp ring 1280 that engages a top flange of the pressure vessel and an abutting flange of the chassis member.
- a pressure sealing O-ring 1152 suitably captured in a circumferential groove on the chassis 1120 engages the inside surface of the neck region 1102 A of the pressure vessel 1102 .
- the collapsible ink reservoir 14 more particularly comprises a pleated bag having opposing walls or sides 1114 , 1116 .
- an elongated sheet of bag material is folded such that opposed lateral edges of the sheet overlap or are brought together, forming an elongated cylinder.
- the lateral edges are sealed together, and pleats are in the resulting structure generally in alignment with the seal of the lateral edges.
- the bottom or non-feed end of the bag is formed by heat sealing the pleated structure along a seam transverse to the seal of the lateral edges.
- the top or feed end of the ink reservoir is formed similarly while leaving an opening for the bag to be sealingly attached to the keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120 .
- the ink reservoir bag is sealingly attached to keel portion 1292 by heat staking.
- the collapsible ink reservoir 114 thus defines an occupied portion 1103 a of the interior chamber 1103 , such that an unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 is formed between the pressure vessel 1102 and the collapsible ink reservoir 114 .
- the air inlet 1108 is the only flow path into or out of the unoccupied portion 1103 b which functions as an air pressure chamber, and more particularly comprises a fluid conveying conduit that is in communication with the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 .
- the ink outlet port 1110 is the only flow path into or out of the occupied portion 1103 a and comprises a fluid conveying conduit that is in communication with the occupied portion 1103 a of the interior chamber 1103 , namely the interior of the collapsible ink reservoir 114 .
- the ink outlet port 1110 is conveniently integrated with the keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120 .
- a pressure transducer 71 is disposed in the interior chamber 1103 so as to detect a difference between a pressure of the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 and a pressure of ink in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 (i.e., a differential pressure), or an absolute pressure of ink in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 .
- the pressure transducer 71 is mounted on a ceramic substrate 73 to form a transducer subassembly that is attached to an outside wall of the output port 1110 .
- a bore or opening in the wall of the output port 1110 and a bore or opening in the substrate 73 expose the pressure transducer to pressure in the output port 1110 .
- Appropriate sealing including an O-ring 75 is provided to prevent leakage between the interior of the outlet port 1110 and the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 .
- the pressure transducer 71 is very close to the ink supply in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 so as to avoid dynamic losses between the ink supply and the point of pressure measurement, and thus the pressure transducer 71 is effectively exposed to the pressure in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 .
- the electrical output of the pressure transducer 71 is provided to externally accessible contact pads 81 disposed on the top of the chassis 1120 via conductive leads 83 of a flexible printed circuit substrate 85 that extends between the ceramic substrate and the top of the chassis 1120 , passing on the outside surface of the chassis 1120 between the O-ring 1152 and such outside surface.
- the conductive leads 83 are electrically connected to the externally accessible contact pads 81 disposed on the top of the chassis which can be formed on one end of the flexible printed circuit substrate 85 that would be attached to the top of the chassis 1120 .
- the output of the pressure transducer 71 can be sampled while printing which avoids the need to interrupt printing to take a reading.
- a memory chip package 87 can be conveniently mounted on the ceramic substrate 87 and interconnected to associated externally accessible contact pads by associated conductive leads 83 of the flexible printed circuit substrate 85 .
- the pressure of the ink supply (for example as detected via the ink supply line) remains approximately equal to the pressure of the pressurizing gas (for example in the pressure line) for much of the ink supply life, and thus the differential pressure is approximately zero for much of the ink supply life.
- the pressure of the ink supply decreases with decreasing remaining ink, whereby the differential pressure increases with decreasing ink.
- the relationship between differential pressure and the amount of ink remaining is reasonably consistent for any given system and can be reliably characterized.
- a low ink level warning can optionally provided when the supply pressure decreases below a selected supply pressure threshold that is indicative of a low ink level threshold.
- the pressure sensor 71 is fabricated on a silicon die, which is positioned over the opening 73 A formed in the substrate 73 .
- the sensor is a commercially available part, e.g. a Silicon Microstructure SM5102-005 pressure sensor, having a die size of about 2 mm by 2 mm by 0.9 mm high.
- means are provided for improving the robustness of the pressure sensor 71 to high frequency pressure waves or pressure shocks, i.e. sudden spikes or increases in the pressure differential being monitored by the pressure sensor.
- pressure shocks can be the result of, for example, a full ink supply being dropped or roughly handled during manufacture, shipping or other handling.
- Embodiments of the invention include mechanical filters, serving as protection structures, configured to prevent high-frequency pressure shocks from damaging the pressure sensor, while not substantially affecting static and low-frequency measurements.
- a mechanism for dampening the high frequency pressure waves comprises a mass of low-stiffness material 300 such as a low-stiffness adhesive deposited over the exterior of the sensor die, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 , 13 and 16 .
- the low-stiffness material is flexible enough to allow the pressure sensor die, which forms a pressure sensor diaphragm in this embodiment, to deflect in response to pressure differentials as intended, while dampening deflections in response to high frequency pressure waves.
- the mass of material improves the shock robustness of the sensor.
- An exemplary material suitable for the purpose as the low-stiffness material is silicon RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealant/adhesive.
- Tests indicate significant improvement in pressure shock robustness from application of the low-stiffness material 300 covering some or all of the exterior surface of the sensor die 71 , with only relatively small reduction in sensitivity of the pressure sensor.
- the low-stiffness material can also cover some or all of the external surface of the substrate 73 without significant effect on the operation of the pressure sensor.
- the mass 300 is large enough to cover the surface of the sensor die, in this exemplary embodiment at least 2 mm by 2 mm.
- a porous plug 310 is fitted between the fluid path 1110 A leading to the pressure sensor, i.e. between the main body of the fluid and the pressure sensor.
- the plug 310 is a porous metal plug, e.g. a sintered stainless steel plug having a pore size on the order of 10 micrometers, although other pore sizes can alternatively be employed. For example, pore sizes in the range of 0.5 micrometer to 20 micrometers can provide protection against pressure spikes.
- the plug acts as a low-pass filter and passes gradual changes in pressure to the pressure sensor, but not pressure spikes.
- the plug has respective diameter and length dimensions on the order of 1.3 mm and 2 mm. Other plug embodiments could alternatively be employed, e.g. plugs fabricated of porous ceramic or plastic materials.
- FIGS. 17-20 A third exemplary embodiment of a means for improving the robustness of the pressure sensor to pressure spikes is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 .
- a labyrinth o-ring gasket structure 320 replaces the o-ring 75 of the embodiment of FIG. 11 , between the interior of the outlet port 1110 and the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 , and is sandwiched in a face seal arrangement between the chassis o-ring gland recess 1120 B ( FIGS. 19-20 ) and the sensor substrate 73 .
- Pressure spikes are attenuated by the labyrinth o-ring structure which forms a low-pass filter.
- the seal structure has symmetrical features on the bottom, reservoir side 320 A and front, sensor side 320 B ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ).
- the structure 320 includes a diaphragm portion 321 ( FIG. 19 ) which covers most of the inner diameter of the o-ring structure.
- An outer circumferential gland 324 extends about the periphery of the o-ring structure.
- An inner C-shaped gland 326 is spaced between a central surface region 328 and the outer gland 324 , and has an opening 326 A (reservoir side) and 326 B (sensor side) defined in the wall defining the gland.
- Channels 330 A (reservoir side) and 330 B (sensor side) are formed between the glands 322 , 324 .
- a through hole 322 is formed through the diaphragm portion 321 of the o-ring structure between the outer gland 324 and the inner gland 326 , and permits fluid flow between the reservoir side and sensor side of the o-ring.
- the labyrinth o-ring structure 320 operates in the following manner. Ink in the chassis passage 1110 A entering from the reservoir at the center 328 A of the inner gland 326 is forced to flow along flow path 332 A through the opening 326 A into the channel 330 A, around either side of the inner gland to the through hole 322 . Ink flowing through the hole 322 from the reservoir side to the sensor side then passes along path 332 B in channel 330 B to the opening 326 B in the inner gland to the center 328 B, and then to the center 328 B, from which ink flows to the sensor 71 . When a pressure impulse occurs, the outer gland 324 provides compliance, and the narrow flow path defined by path portions 332 A, 332 B and the hole 322 provides dampening. The result is an attenuated pressure spike on the sensor side.
- the labyrinth o-ring structure is a unitary part, typically an injection molded structure, fabricated of an elastomeric material.
- exemplary materials suitable for the purpose include Butadiene Acrylonitrile (Nitrile) and EPDM.
- Nitrile elastomers can provide improved barrier properties with respect to air diffusion.
- Improved performance of the o-ring structure 320 may be obtained for some applications by employing a relatively thin outer gland 324 .
- This gland assists in shock suppression as a complaint member of the structure; unduly increasing its thickness can substantially reduce its compliance.
- Exemplary dimensions of the o-ring structure 320 for a particular application are as follows: outer diameter, 3.6 mm; diaphragm thickness, 0.2 mm; outer gland thickness, 0.4 mm; inner gland thickness, 0.3 mm; through hole diameter, 0.3 mm.
- the gasket structure need not have a circular periphery, for example.
- a configuration can be employed with a single flow path, with the inner gland having one end which ends at the outer gland.
- FIG. 21 Such an alternate configuration is shown in FIG. 21 .
- the o-ring structure 350 has a through hole 352 , an outer gland 354 and an inner gland 356 .
- the inner gland 356 is not completely circular, but instead is hook-shaped, with gland end 356 A molded into the outer gland adjacent the through hole 352 .
- the flow path 360 from the center region 358 defines a single path, instead of splitting into two path portions as in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-20 . This increases the effective flow path length.
- the gasket structure provides a seal function integrated with a pressure shock dampening function, and thus provides the advantage of accomplishing both functions with a single part.
- the techniques for protecting the sensor against pressure spikes in accordance with the invention can be employed in systems wherein the ink supply is subjected only to ambient or atmospheric pressure instead of a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure, for example in a system wherein a non-pressurized ink supply is elevated so that ink flows out of the ink container by gravity.
- the disclosed techniques can be employed in other printing or marking systems that employ liquid ink such as liquid electrophotographic printing systems.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices by providing a mechanical filter configured to prevent high-frequency pressure shocks from damaging the pressure sensor. One approach includes a body of elastomeric material disposed on an external surface of the sensor. Another approach is a porous plug in a fluid pathway leading to the sensor. Yet another approach is to provide a seal structure with a labyrinth fluid path.
Description
The art of inkjet printing is relatively well developed. Commercial products such as computer printers, graphics plotters, and facsimile machines have been implemented with ink jet technology for producing printed media. Generally, an ink jet image is formed pursuant to precise placement on a print medium of ink drops emitted by an ink drop generating device known as an ink jet printhead. Typically, an ink jet printhead is supported on a movable carriage that traverses over the surface of the print medium and is controlled to eject drops of ink at appropriate times pursuant to command of a microcomputer or other controller, wherein the timing of the application of the ink drops is intended to correspond to a pattern of pixels of the image being printed.
Some known printers make use of an ink container that is separably replaceable from the printhead. When the ink container is exhausted it is removed and replaced with a new ink container. The use of replaceable ink containers that are separate from the printhead allow users to replace the ink container without replacing the printhead. The printhead is then replaced at or near the end of printhead life, and not when the ink container is replaced.
A consideration with ink jet printing systems that employ ink containers that are separate from the printheads is the general inability to predict an out of ink condition for an ink container. In such ink jet printing systems, it is important that printing cease when an ink container is nearly empty with a small amount of stranded ink. Otherwise, printhead damage may occur as a result of firing without ink, and/or time is wasted in operating a printer without achieving a complete printed image, which is particularly time consuming in the printing of large images which often are printed in an unattended manner on expensive media.
Inkjet cartridges with integrated pressure sensing elements are known in the art, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,638, INK BAG FITMENT WITH AN INTEGRATED PRESSURE SENSOR FOR LOW INK DETECTION. A purpose of the pressure sensing element is to measure changes in the pressure of the ink or fluid being delivered to the printhead over the ink cartridge lifetime, to provide data for indicating ink level and out-of-ink information.
A challenge for ink cartridges with integrated pressure sensors is protecting the sensor from pressure spikes, which commonly occur during manufacturing, shipping or handling, and can occur due to dropping the cartridge.
Advantages and features of the disclosed invention will readily be appreciated by persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawing wherein:
In the following detailed description and in the several figures of the drawing, like elements are identified with like reference numerals.
Referring now to FIG. 1 , set forth therein is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary printer/plotter 50 in which the invention can be employed. A scanning print carriage 52 holds a plurality of print cartridges 60-66 which are fluidically coupled to an ink supply station 100 that supplies pressurized ink to the print cartridges 60-66. By way of illustrative example, each of the print cartridges 60-66 comprises an ink jet printhead and an integral printhead memory, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2 for the representative example of the print cartridge 60 which includes an ink jet printhead 60A and an integral printhead memory 60B. Each print cartridge has a fluidic regulator valve that opens and closes to maintain a slight negative gauge pressure in the cartridge that is optimal for printhead performance. The ink provided to each of the print cartridges 60-66 is pressurized to reduce the effects of dynamic pressure drops.
The ink supply station 100 contains receptacles or bays for accepting ink containers 110-116 which are respectively associated with and fluidically connected to respective print cartridges 6066. Each of the ink containers 110-114 includes a collapsible ink reservoir, such as collapsible ink reservoir 110A that is surrounded by an air pressure chamber 110B. An air pressure source or pump 70 is in communication with the air pressure chamber for pressurizing the collapsible ink reservoir. For example, one pressure pump supplies pressurized air for all ink containers in the system. Pressurized ink is delivered to the print cartridges by an ink flow path that includes for example respective flexible plastic tubes connected between the ink containers 110-116 and respectively associated print cartridges 60-66.
Each of the ink containers includes a collapsible ink reservoir and an optional integral ink cartridge memory. Schematically depicted in FIG. 4 is a representative example of the ink container 110 that more particularly includes an ink reservoir 110A, an integral ink cartridge memory 110D, and a pressure transducer 110C.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , the scanning print carriage 52, the print cartridges 60-66, and the ink containers 110-114 are electrically interconnected to a printer microprocessor controller 80 that includes printer electronics and firmware for the control of various printer functions, including for example analog-to-digital converter circuitry for converting the outputs of the ink level sensing pressure transducers 71 associated with the ink containers 110-116. The controller 80 thus controls the scan carriage drive system and the printheads on the print carriage to selectively energize the printheads, to cause ink droplets to be ejected in a controlled fashion on the print medium 40. The printer controller 80 further detects a low level of remaining ink volume in each of the ink containers 110-114 pursuant to the output of the associated pressure transducer 71.
A host processor 82, which includes a CPU 82A and a software printer driver 82B, is connected to the printer controller 82. For example, the host processor 82 comprises a personal computer that is external to the printer 50. A monitor 84 is connected to the host processor 82 and is used to display various messages that are indicative of the state of the ink jet printer. Alternatively, the printer can be configured for stand-alone or networked operation wherein messages are displayed on a front panel of the printer.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-14 , schematically illustrated therein is a specific implementation of an ink container 200, which can be implemented as each of the ink containers 110-116 that are structurally substantially identical.
As shown in FIGS.6-7 , the ink container 200 generally includes an outer container or pressure vessel 1102, a chassis member 1120 attached to a neck region 1102A at a leading end of the pressure vessel 1102, a leading end cap 1104 attached to the leading end of the pressure vessel, and a trailing end cap 1106 attached to the trailing end of the pressure vessel 1102.
As more particularly shown in FIGS. 8-10 , the ink container 200 further includes a collapsible ink bag or reservoir 114 disposed in an interior chamber 1103 defined by the pressure vessel 1102 and sealingly attached to a keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120 which seals the interior of the pressure vessel 1102 from outside atmosphere while providing for an air inlet 1108 to the interior of the pressure vessel 1102, and an ink outlet port 1110 for ink contained in the ink reservoir 114.
The chassis 1120 is secured to the opening of the neck region 1102A of the pressure vessel 1102, for example by an annular crimp ring 1280 that engages a top flange of the pressure vessel and an abutting flange of the chassis member. A pressure sealing O-ring 1152 suitably captured in a circumferential groove on the chassis 1120 engages the inside surface of the neck region 1102A of the pressure vessel 1102.
The collapsible ink reservoir 14 more particularly comprises a pleated bag having opposing walls or sides 1114, 1116. In an exemplary construction, an elongated sheet of bag material is folded such that opposed lateral edges of the sheet overlap or are brought together, forming an elongated cylinder. The lateral edges are sealed together, and pleats are in the resulting structure generally in alignment with the seal of the lateral edges. The bottom or non-feed end of the bag is formed by heat sealing the pleated structure along a seam transverse to the seal of the lateral edges. The top or feed end of the ink reservoir is formed similarly while leaving an opening for the bag to be sealingly attached to the keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120. By way of specific example, the ink reservoir bag is sealingly attached to keel portion 1292 by heat staking.
The collapsible ink reservoir 114 thus defines an occupied portion 1103 a of the interior chamber 1103, such that an unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 is formed between the pressure vessel 1102 and the collapsible ink reservoir 114. The air inlet 1108 is the only flow path into or out of the unoccupied portion 1103 b which functions as an air pressure chamber, and more particularly comprises a fluid conveying conduit that is in communication with the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103. The ink outlet port 1110 is the only flow path into or out of the occupied portion 1103 a and comprises a fluid conveying conduit that is in communication with the occupied portion 1103 a of the interior chamber 1103, namely the interior of the collapsible ink reservoir 114. The ink outlet port 1110 is conveniently integrated with the keel portion 1292 of the chassis 1120.
As more specifically shown in FIGS. 10-16 , a pressure transducer 71 is disposed in the interior chamber 1103 so as to detect a difference between a pressure of the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103 and a pressure of ink in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 (i.e., a differential pressure), or an absolute pressure of ink in the collapsible ink reservoir 114. By way of illustrative example, the pressure transducer 71 is mounted on a ceramic substrate 73 to form a transducer subassembly that is attached to an outside wall of the output port 1110. A bore or opening in the wall of the output port 1110 and a bore or opening in the substrate 73 expose the pressure transducer to pressure in the output port 1110. Appropriate sealing including an O-ring 75 is provided to prevent leakage between the interior of the outlet port 1110 and the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103. The pressure transducer 71 is very close to the ink supply in the collapsible ink reservoir 114 so as to avoid dynamic losses between the ink supply and the point of pressure measurement, and thus the pressure transducer 71 is effectively exposed to the pressure in the collapsible ink reservoir 114.
The electrical output of the pressure transducer 71 is provided to externally accessible contact pads 81 disposed on the top of the chassis 1120 via conductive leads 83 of a flexible printed circuit substrate 85 that extends between the ceramic substrate and the top of the chassis 1120, passing on the outside surface of the chassis 1120 between the O-ring 1152 and such outside surface. The conductive leads 83 are electrically connected to the externally accessible contact pads 81 disposed on the top of the chassis which can be formed on one end of the flexible printed circuit substrate 85 that would be attached to the top of the chassis 1120. The output of the pressure transducer 71 can be sampled while printing which avoids the need to interrupt printing to take a reading.
Optionally, a memory chip package 87 can be conveniently mounted on the ceramic substrate 87 and interconnected to associated externally accessible contact pads by associated conductive leads 83 of the flexible printed circuit substrate 85.
The pressure of the ink supply (for example as detected via the ink supply line) remains approximately equal to the pressure of the pressurizing gas (for example in the pressure line) for much of the ink supply life, and thus the differential pressure is approximately zero for much of the ink supply life. As the ink supply approaches an empty condition, the pressure of the ink supply decreases with decreasing remaining ink, whereby the differential pressure increases with decreasing ink. The relationship between differential pressure and the amount of ink remaining is reasonably consistent for any given system and can be reliably characterized.
A low ink level warning can optionally provided when the supply pressure decreases below a selected supply pressure threshold that is indicative of a low ink level threshold.
In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensor 71 is fabricated on a silicon die, which is positioned over the opening 73A formed in the substrate 73. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a commercially available part, e.g. a Silicon Microstructure SM5102-005 pressure sensor, having a die size of about 2 mm by 2 mm by 0.9 mm high. In accordance with this invention, means are provided for improving the robustness of the pressure sensor 71 to high frequency pressure waves or pressure shocks, i.e. sudden spikes or increases in the pressure differential being monitored by the pressure sensor. Such pressure shocks can be the result of, for example, a full ink supply being dropped or roughly handled during manufacture, shipping or other handling.
Embodiments of the invention include mechanical filters, serving as protection structures, configured to prevent high-frequency pressure shocks from damaging the pressure sensor, while not substantially affecting static and low-frequency measurements.
In a first embodiment, a mechanism for dampening the high frequency pressure waves comprises a mass of low-stiffness material 300 such as a low-stiffness adhesive deposited over the exterior of the sensor die, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 , 13 and 16. The low-stiffness material is flexible enough to allow the pressure sensor die, which forms a pressure sensor diaphragm in this embodiment, to deflect in response to pressure differentials as intended, while dampening deflections in response to high frequency pressure waves. The mass of material improves the shock robustness of the sensor. An exemplary material suitable for the purpose as the low-stiffness material is silicon RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealant/adhesive. Tests indicate significant improvement in pressure shock robustness from application of the low-stiffness material 300 covering some or all of the exterior surface of the sensor die 71, with only relatively small reduction in sensitivity of the pressure sensor. The low-stiffness material can also cover some or all of the external surface of the substrate 73 without significant effect on the operation of the pressure sensor. Preferably, the mass 300 is large enough to cover the surface of the sensor die, in this exemplary embodiment at least 2 mm by 2 mm.
In another embodiment of a means for improving the robustness of the pressure sensor to pressure spikes, a porous plug 310 is fitted between the fluid path 1110A leading to the pressure sensor, i.e. between the main body of the fluid and the pressure sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug 310 is a porous metal plug, e.g. a sintered stainless steel plug having a pore size on the order of 10 micrometers, although other pore sizes can alternatively be employed. For example, pore sizes in the range of 0.5 micrometer to 20 micrometers can provide protection against pressure spikes. The plug acts as a low-pass filter and passes gradual changes in pressure to the pressure sensor, but not pressure spikes. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug has respective diameter and length dimensions on the order of 1.3 mm and 2 mm. Other plug embodiments could alternatively be employed, e.g. plugs fabricated of porous ceramic or plastic materials.
Tests of these techniques for improving shock robustness indicate that, for the disclosed exemplary embodiments, both techniques significantly improve the robustness of the pressure sensors to pressure spikes. These tests indicate moderate improvement to shock robustness with little loss of sensor sensitivity for the mass of low-stiffness material 300. The porous pressure dampener 310 virtually eliminated failures due to shock.
A third exemplary embodiment of a means for improving the robustness of the pressure sensor to pressure spikes is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 . A labyrinth o-ring gasket structure 320 replaces the o-ring 75 of the embodiment of FIG. 11 , between the interior of the outlet port 1110 and the unoccupied portion 1103 b of the interior chamber 1103, and is sandwiched in a face seal arrangement between the chassis o-ring gland recess 1120B (FIGS. 19-20 ) and the sensor substrate 73. Pressure spikes are attenuated by the labyrinth o-ring structure which forms a low-pass filter. The seal structure has symmetrical features on the bottom, reservoir side 320A and front, sensor side 320B (FIGS. 17 and 18 ).
The structure 320 includes a diaphragm portion 321 (FIG. 19 ) which covers most of the inner diameter of the o-ring structure. An outer circumferential gland 324 extends about the periphery of the o-ring structure. An inner C-shaped gland 326 is spaced between a central surface region 328 and the outer gland 324, and has an opening 326A (reservoir side) and 326B (sensor side) defined in the wall defining the gland. Channels 330A (reservoir side) and 330B (sensor side) are formed between the glands 322, 324. A through hole 322 is formed through the diaphragm portion 321 of the o-ring structure between the outer gland 324 and the inner gland 326, and permits fluid flow between the reservoir side and sensor side of the o-ring.
The labyrinth o-ring structure 320 operates in the following manner. Ink in the chassis passage 1110A entering from the reservoir at the center 328A of the inner gland 326 is forced to flow along flow path 332A through the opening 326A into the channel 330A, around either side of the inner gland to the through hole 322. Ink flowing through the hole 322 from the reservoir side to the sensor side then passes along path 332B in channel 330B to the opening 326B in the inner gland to the center 328B, and then to the center 328B, from which ink flows to the sensor 71. When a pressure impulse occurs, the outer gland 324 provides compliance, and the narrow flow path defined by path portions 332A, 332B and the hole 322 provides dampening. The result is an attenuated pressure spike on the sensor side.
The labyrinth o-ring structure is a unitary part, typically an injection molded structure, fabricated of an elastomeric material. Exemplary materials suitable for the purpose include Butadiene Acrylonitrile (Nitrile) and EPDM. Nitrile elastomers can provide improved barrier properties with respect to air diffusion.
Improved performance of the o-ring structure 320 may be obtained for some applications by employing a relatively thin outer gland 324. This gland assists in shock suppression as a complaint member of the structure; unduly increasing its thickness can substantially reduce its compliance.
Exemplary dimensions of the o-ring structure 320 for a particular application are as follows: outer diameter, 3.6 mm; diaphragm thickness, 0.2 mm; outer gland thickness, 0.4 mm; inner gland thickness, 0.3 mm; through hole diameter, 0.3 mm.
Various modifications can be made to the gasket structure. The structure need not have a circular periphery, for example. Also, instead of providing dual flow paths on each side of the o-ring, a configuration can be employed with a single flow path, with the inner gland having one end which ends at the outer gland. Such an alternate configuration is shown in FIG. 21 . Here, the o-ring structure 350 has a through hole 352, an outer gland 354 and an inner gland 356. The inner gland 356 is not completely circular, but instead is hook-shaped, with gland end 356A molded into the outer gland adjacent the through hole 352. The flow path 360 from the center region 358 defines a single path, instead of splitting into two path portions as in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-20 . This increases the effective flow path length.
The gasket structure provides a seal function integrated with a pressure shock dampening function, and thus provides the advantage of accomplishing both functions with a single part.
While the foregoing fluid supply implementation applies greater than ambient pressure to the ink supply, the techniques for protecting the sensor against pressure spikes in accordance with the invention can be employed in systems wherein the ink supply is subjected only to ambient or atmospheric pressure instead of a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure, for example in a system wherein a non-pressurized ink supply is elevated so that ink flows out of the ink container by gravity. Also, the disclosed techniques can be employed in other printing or marking systems that employ liquid ink such as liquid electrophotographic printing systems.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the possible specific embodiments which may represent principles of the present invention. Other arrangements may readily be devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (22)
1. A labyrinth seal structure comprising:
a gland structure, including a single through hole which is off-center and in a channel of the seal structure, for providing a fluid seal in a face seal arrangement between a first surface and a second surface; and
a labyrinth fluid flow path between a first side of the seal structure and a second side of the seal structure through the single through hole through the seal structure, the labyrinth fluid flow path including dual flow paths, disposed on each of the first side and the second side, each communicated with the through hole.
2. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 1 , further including a diaphragm portion, and wherein said through hole is formed in the diaphragm portion between the first side and the second side.
3. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 2 , wherein said gland structure comprises a non-continuous inner gland portion and a continuous outer gland portion.
4. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 3 , wherein said labyrinth fluid flow path extends from a center region of said seal structure on said first side, between said inner and outer gland portions on said first side, through said through hole to said second side, and between said inner and outer gland portions on said second side to a center region of said seal structure on said second side.
5. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 4 , wherein said channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion each extending between said center region and said through hole on each of said first side and said second side of said seal structure.
6. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 1 , wherein said first side of said seal structure and said second side of said seal structure are symmetrical.
7. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 1 , wherein said seal structure is fabricated of an elastomeric material.
8. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 7 , wherein said elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of Butadiene Acrylonitrile (Nitrile) and EPDM.
9. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 1 , wherein said seal structure is an integral one-piece structure, fabricated by molding from an elastomeric material.
10. A labyrinth seal structure comprising:
a gland structure, including a single through hole, for providing a fluid seal in a face seal arrangement between a first surface and a second surface, said gland structure comprises an inner gland portion and an outer gland portion, the inner gland portion defining an open gland about a center region of the seal structure, the outer gland portion defining a continuous circumferential gland about an outer periphery of the seal structure; and
a labyrinth fluid flow path between a first side of the seal structure and a second side of the seal structure through the through hole of the seal structure,
wherein the inner gland portion and the outer gland portion define two flow paths of the labyrinth fluid flow path, disposed on each of the first side and the second side, between the center region and the through hole of the seal structure.
11. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 10 , further including a diaphragm portion within the outer gland portion, and wherein said through hole is formed in the diaphragm portion between the first side and the second side, said through hole disposed between said inner gland portion and said outer gland portion.
12. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 11 , wherein said labyrinth fluid flow path extends from a center region of said seal structure on said first side, through an open region in said inner gland portion, along a first channel extending between said inner and outer gland portions on said first side, through said through hole to a second channel between said inner and outer gland portions on said second side and through an open region in said inner gland portion on said second side to a center region of said seal structure on said second side within said inner gland portion.
13. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 12 , wherein said first channel includes a first channel portion extending between said through hole and said open region in said inner gland portion and a second channel portion extending between said through hole and said open region in said inner gland portion.
14. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 10 , further comprising a wall extending between an edge of said inner gland portion adjacent an open region in said inner gland portion and said outer gland portion on said second side of said seal structure.
15. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 14 , wherein said through hole is positioned adjacent said wall so that said wall blocks fluid passage directly between said through hole and said open region of said inner gland portion on said second side of said seal structure.
16. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 10 , wherein said first side of said seal structure and said second side of said seal structure are symmetrical.
17. The labyrinth seal structure of claim 10 , wherein said seal structure is an integral one piece structure fabricated of an elastomeric material.
18. A method for allowing fluid flow between a fluid conduit having an opening in a first surface and a second surface while protecting the second surface against sudden fluid pressure spikes, comprising:
sandwiching a gland structure of an elastomeric labyrinth seal structure, including a single through hole which is off-center and in a channel of the seal structure, between the first surface and the second surface under compression to create a fluid seal;
allowing fluid to flow from the fluid conduit opening in the first surface through a labyrinth fluid flow path between a first side of the seal structure and a second side of the seal structure through the single through hole of the seal structure and along two path portions, disposed on each of the first side and the second side, each communicated with the through hole.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein said sandwiching a gland structure comprises sandwiching a gland structure comprising a continuous outer gland structure extending about a periphery of the seal structure and an inner non-continuous gland structure spaced between a center region of the seal structure and the outer gland structure.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the seal structure includes a diaphragm portion extending within the outer gland structure, and said allowing fluid to flow includes:
allowing the fluid to flow through said labyrinth fluid flow path which includes said through hole formed in the diaphragm portion between the first side and the second side, said through hole disposed between said inner gland structure and said outer gland structure.
21. The method of claim 19 , wherein said fluid flow path extends from a center region of said seal structure on said first side, through an open region in said inner gland structure, between said inner and outer gland structures on said first side, through said through hole to said second side, and between said inner and outer gland structures on said second side and through an open region in said inner gland structure on said second side to a center region of said seal structure on said second side within said inner gland structure.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said channel includes a first channel portion extending between said through hole and said open region in said inner gland structure and a second channel portion extending between said through hole and said open region in said inner gland structure.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/041,047 US7654655B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2005-01-21 | Labyrinth seal structure |
US11/188,480 US7465040B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2005-07-25 | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/280,441 US6886929B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2002-10-25 | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
US11/041,047 US7654655B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2005-01-21 | Labyrinth seal structure |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/280,441 Continuation US6886929B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2002-10-25 | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/188,480 Continuation-In-Part US7465040B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2005-07-25 | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050179748A1 US20050179748A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
US7654655B2 true US7654655B2 (en) | 2010-02-02 |
Family
ID=32069381
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/280,441 Expired - Lifetime US6886929B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2002-10-25 | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
US11/041,047 Expired - Fee Related US7654655B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2005-01-21 | Labyrinth seal structure |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/280,441 Expired - Lifetime US6886929B2 (en) | 2002-10-25 | 2002-10-25 | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6886929B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1914079B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4009242B2 (en) |
DE (2) | DE60325157D1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080252702A1 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2008-10-16 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container |
US20120033019A1 (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2012-02-09 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method |
US10837852B2 (en) | 2017-12-29 | 2020-11-17 | Honeywell International Inc | Pressure sensor media interface with integrated seal and diaphragm |
US11173719B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-11-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11179941B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-11-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11364720B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-06-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11364721B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-06-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply interconnect in hose-fed housing |
US11420444B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-08-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
Families Citing this family (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6886929B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2005-05-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
US7465040B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2008-12-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths |
US7188528B2 (en) * | 2004-04-23 | 2007-03-13 | Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. | Low pass filter semiconductor structures for use in transducers for measuring low dynamic pressures in the presence of high static pressures |
US7955504B1 (en) | 2004-10-06 | 2011-06-07 | State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University | Microfluidic devices, particularly filtration devices comprising polymeric membranes, and method for their manufacture and use |
EP1674269A1 (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2006-06-28 | Agfa-Gevaert | Hydraulic resistor for ink supply system |
EP1806230B1 (en) * | 2005-11-18 | 2012-03-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid residual amount detection apparatus for liquid container |
JP4720500B2 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2011-07-13 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Container with liquid detection function |
EP2080621B1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2011-01-05 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container |
US7434471B2 (en) * | 2007-01-16 | 2008-10-14 | Raytheon Company | Pressure measurement transducer with protective device |
US7634944B2 (en) | 2007-05-01 | 2009-12-22 | Hewitt John T | Liquid level sensor |
US7587940B2 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2009-09-15 | Hewitt John T | Liquid level sensor with flow restrictor |
US7658104B2 (en) | 2007-05-01 | 2010-02-09 | Hewitt John T | Liquid level sensor with level alarm |
JP4078387B1 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2008-04-23 | ワールドネットワーク株式会社 | Ink tank and ink cartridge |
JP5248816B2 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2013-07-31 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Liquid ejecting apparatus and image forming apparatus |
DE102007046549B4 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2022-06-09 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Household appliance for laundry care and method for finishing items to be washed in a water-bearing household appliance |
US8022321B2 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2011-09-20 | Honeywell International Inc. | Hydraulic pressure switch with porous disc as snubbing element |
US8640545B2 (en) * | 2009-10-05 | 2014-02-04 | Pcb Piezotronics, Inc. | Vibration sensor with mechanical isolation member |
US8753515B2 (en) | 2009-12-05 | 2014-06-17 | Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. | Dialysis system with ultrafiltration control |
US8580161B2 (en) | 2010-05-04 | 2013-11-12 | State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University | Fluidic devices comprising photocontrollable units |
US8501009B2 (en) | 2010-06-07 | 2013-08-06 | State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University | Fluid purification system |
GB2492593A (en) * | 2011-07-08 | 2013-01-09 | Inca Digital Printers Ltd | Pressure regulation system |
US9328969B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2016-05-03 | Outset Medical, Inc. | Heat exchange fluid purification for dialysis system |
JP6657186B2 (en) | 2014-04-29 | 2020-03-04 | アウトセット・メディカル・インコーポレイテッドOutset Medical, Inc. | Dialysis system and method |
JP6404017B2 (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2018-10-10 | 株式会社東芝 | Inkjet head unit and inkjet printer |
US20170089792A1 (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2017-03-30 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Dampened pressure port |
WO2017116588A1 (en) | 2015-12-28 | 2017-07-06 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Perforating shock protection for sensors |
ES2908601T3 (en) | 2016-08-19 | 2022-05-03 | Outset Medical Inc | Peritoneal dialysis system and methods |
US11118992B2 (en) | 2019-06-06 | 2021-09-14 | Measurement Specialties, Inc. | Pressure sensor assemblies with protective pressure feature |
US11193842B2 (en) | 2019-06-06 | 2021-12-07 | Te Connectivity Solutions Gmbh | Pressure sensor assemblies with protective pressure feature of a pressure mitigation element |
Citations (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1964300A (en) * | 1933-04-24 | 1934-06-26 | United Gas Improvement Co | Gas pilot burner control |
US3593965A (en) * | 1968-05-08 | 1971-07-20 | Oreal | Device for mixing a plurality of fluids which are to be simultaneously dispensed |
US3998427A (en) * | 1975-12-11 | 1976-12-21 | Clarence Bentley | Self-cleaning drip irrigation valve |
US4074284A (en) | 1976-06-07 | 1978-02-14 | Silonics, Inc. | Ink supply system and print head |
US4215822A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1980-08-05 | Hydro-Plan Engineering Ltd. | Drip level irrigation |
USRE31570E (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1984-05-01 | Tylan Corporation | Fluid flowmeter |
US4533083A (en) * | 1981-06-22 | 1985-08-06 | Ris Irrigation Systems Pty. Ltd. | Drip feed device for irrigation purposes |
US4712583A (en) * | 1986-05-27 | 1987-12-15 | Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd. | Precision passive flat-top valve for medication infusion system |
US4777497A (en) | 1982-01-25 | 1988-10-11 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd | Ink jet printing head having a flexible film covered ink supply chamber |
US4884451A (en) | 1987-04-18 | 1989-12-05 | Parker-Ermeto Gmbh | Fluid pressure measuring device with pressure attenuation |
US4942383A (en) | 1989-03-06 | 1990-07-17 | Honeywell Inc. | Low cost wet-to-wet pressure sensor package |
US4967594A (en) | 1989-07-24 | 1990-11-06 | Metritape, Inc. | Sheathing and venting of resistance-tape level sensor |
US5619022A (en) | 1995-06-21 | 1997-04-08 | Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc. | Pneumatic snap action switch |
JPH09119875A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1997-05-06 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Semiconductor pressure sensor |
US5644285A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1997-07-01 | Honeywell Inc. | Pressure transducer with media isolation |
JPH09250943A (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1997-09-22 | Saginomiya Seisakusho Inc | Water level sensor |
US5803368A (en) * | 1994-12-29 | 1998-09-08 | Agroteam Consultants Ltd. | Aerator for water taps |
US6079266A (en) | 1999-04-01 | 2000-06-27 | Starr-Johnson | Fluid-level measurement by dynamic excitation of a pressure- and fluid-load-sensitive diaphragm |
US6164743A (en) | 1996-04-17 | 2000-12-26 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink container with an inductive ink level sense |
US6183076B1 (en) | 1992-04-02 | 2001-02-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printer having multi-chamber print cartridges and off-carriage regulator |
WO2002025391A1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2002-03-28 | Fugasity Corporation | Fluid flow controller and method of operation |
JP2002154219A (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-28 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | Ink vessel |
US6467354B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2002-10-22 | Silicon Microstructures, Inc. | Anodically bonded, gas impervious cavity structures fabricated in silicon |
US20030005782A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2003-01-09 | Motorola, Inc. | Component having a filter and method of manufacturing |
US6810964B1 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2004-11-02 | General Dynamics Ots (Aerospace) Inc. | Pressurization system for fire extinguishers |
US6886929B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2005-05-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
US7465040B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2008-12-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4047284A (en) * | 1975-05-08 | 1977-09-13 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Self-aligned CMOS process for bulk silicon and insulating substrate device |
DE3631156C2 (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1994-10-06 | Deckel Ag Friedrich | Radially adjustable tool |
-
2002
- 2002-10-25 US US10/280,441 patent/US6886929B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-10-13 DE DE60325157T patent/DE60325157D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-13 DE DE60330410T patent/DE60330410D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-13 EP EP07023439A patent/EP1914079B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-10-13 EP EP03256443A patent/EP1413443B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-10-21 JP JP2003360335A patent/JP4009242B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-01-21 US US11/041,047 patent/US7654655B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1964300A (en) * | 1933-04-24 | 1934-06-26 | United Gas Improvement Co | Gas pilot burner control |
US3593965A (en) * | 1968-05-08 | 1971-07-20 | Oreal | Device for mixing a plurality of fluids which are to be simultaneously dispensed |
USRE31570E (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1984-05-01 | Tylan Corporation | Fluid flowmeter |
US4215822A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1980-08-05 | Hydro-Plan Engineering Ltd. | Drip level irrigation |
US3998427A (en) * | 1975-12-11 | 1976-12-21 | Clarence Bentley | Self-cleaning drip irrigation valve |
US4074284A (en) | 1976-06-07 | 1978-02-14 | Silonics, Inc. | Ink supply system and print head |
US4533083A (en) * | 1981-06-22 | 1985-08-06 | Ris Irrigation Systems Pty. Ltd. | Drip feed device for irrigation purposes |
US4777497A (en) | 1982-01-25 | 1988-10-11 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd | Ink jet printing head having a flexible film covered ink supply chamber |
US4712583A (en) * | 1986-05-27 | 1987-12-15 | Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd. | Precision passive flat-top valve for medication infusion system |
US4884451A (en) | 1987-04-18 | 1989-12-05 | Parker-Ermeto Gmbh | Fluid pressure measuring device with pressure attenuation |
US4942383A (en) | 1989-03-06 | 1990-07-17 | Honeywell Inc. | Low cost wet-to-wet pressure sensor package |
US4967594A (en) | 1989-07-24 | 1990-11-06 | Metritape, Inc. | Sheathing and venting of resistance-tape level sensor |
US6183076B1 (en) | 1992-04-02 | 2001-02-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printer having multi-chamber print cartridges and off-carriage regulator |
US5803368A (en) * | 1994-12-29 | 1998-09-08 | Agroteam Consultants Ltd. | Aerator for water taps |
US5644285A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1997-07-01 | Honeywell Inc. | Pressure transducer with media isolation |
US5619022A (en) | 1995-06-21 | 1997-04-08 | Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc. | Pneumatic snap action switch |
JPH09119875A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1997-05-06 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Semiconductor pressure sensor |
JPH09250943A (en) | 1996-03-14 | 1997-09-22 | Saginomiya Seisakusho Inc | Water level sensor |
US6164743A (en) | 1996-04-17 | 2000-12-26 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink container with an inductive ink level sense |
US6467354B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2002-10-22 | Silicon Microstructures, Inc. | Anodically bonded, gas impervious cavity structures fabricated in silicon |
US6079266A (en) | 1999-04-01 | 2000-06-27 | Starr-Johnson | Fluid-level measurement by dynamic excitation of a pressure- and fluid-load-sensitive diaphragm |
WO2002025391A1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2002-03-28 | Fugasity Corporation | Fluid flow controller and method of operation |
JP2002154219A (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-28 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | Ink vessel |
US6435638B1 (en) | 2000-10-27 | 2002-08-20 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink bag fitment with an integrated pressure sensor for low ink detection |
US6810964B1 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2004-11-02 | General Dynamics Ots (Aerospace) Inc. | Pressurization system for fire extinguishers |
US20030005782A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2003-01-09 | Motorola, Inc. | Component having a filter and method of manufacturing |
US6886929B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2005-05-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Techniques for improving pressure sensor shock robustness in fluid containment devices |
US7465040B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2008-12-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
European Search Report for Application No. 07023439.8. Report issued Apr. 23, 2008. |
Honeywell, Micro Switch Sensing and Control, Reference and Application Data Sheet for "Pressure Sensors", Protecting Pressure Ssensor Diaphragm From Rupture Due To Water Hammer-Note #8. |
O'Keefe Controls Co., One page Data Sheet, "Pressure Snubbers", 2000. |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080252702A1 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2008-10-16 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container |
US8167415B2 (en) | 2007-04-13 | 2012-05-01 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container |
US20120033019A1 (en) * | 2010-08-09 | 2012-02-09 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method |
US9776420B2 (en) | 2010-08-09 | 2017-10-03 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method |
US10837852B2 (en) | 2017-12-29 | 2020-11-17 | Honeywell International Inc | Pressure sensor media interface with integrated seal and diaphragm |
US11364721B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-06-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply interconnect in hose-fed housing |
US11179941B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-11-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11364720B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-06-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11173719B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2021-11-16 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11420444B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2022-08-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11590761B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2023-02-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11667125B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2023-06-06 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11667124B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2023-06-06 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11840091B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2023-12-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11951748B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2024-04-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
US11981143B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2024-05-14 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print liquid supply |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1914079B1 (en) | 2009-12-02 |
EP1413443A1 (en) | 2004-04-28 |
DE60330410D1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
JP4009242B2 (en) | 2007-11-14 |
US20050179748A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
EP1413443B1 (en) | 2008-12-10 |
DE60325157D1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
EP1914079A2 (en) | 2008-04-23 |
EP1914079A3 (en) | 2008-05-21 |
JP2004142458A (en) | 2004-05-20 |
US6886929B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 |
US20040080552A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7654655B2 (en) | Labyrinth seal structure | |
US6435638B1 (en) | Ink bag fitment with an integrated pressure sensor for low ink detection | |
US6644794B1 (en) | Collapsible ink reservoir with a collapse resisting insert | |
US7465040B2 (en) | Labyrinth seal structure with redundant fluid flow paths | |
EP0882595B1 (en) | Ink level estimation using drop count and ink level sense | |
US6164743A (en) | Ink container with an inductive ink level sense | |
EP1310372B1 (en) | Ink container providing pressurized ink with ink level sensor | |
US6467861B1 (en) | Leak detection for an ink container | |
US6010210A (en) | Ink container having a multiple function chassis | |
US6017118A (en) | High performance ink container with efficient construction | |
US20110128329A1 (en) | Liquid ejection apparatus | |
US8366249B2 (en) | Liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus | |
JP2009073096A (en) | Liquid container and liquid jet apparatus | |
KR970061520A (en) | Ink jet printer ink cartridge refill prevention device and method thereof | |
JP2002361882A (en) | Ink container and ink jet recorder | |
US20200198324A1 (en) | Liquid ejection device and method for driving liquid ejection device | |
JP2004167692A (en) | Ink tank and its ink emptiness detecting method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20220202 |